Celebrate the Bard with a Burns Supper

Make sure you mark the Bard’s birthday with food, drink and a bit of banter

It’s that time of year where Scots and honorary Scots all over the world raise a glass in tribute to our national poet. Perhaps our nation’s most famous figure, Robert Burns penned some of Scotland’s most evocative poetry and prose, with 'Auld Lang Syne' recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as being in the top three most popular songs in the English language.

Traditionally celebrated with an evening of fine food, bagpipes and poetry, Rabbie is fondly remembered at Burns Suppers across the globe. In addition to recitals and sing-alongs, no Burns night is complete without a big plate of haggis, neeps and tatties and a wee dram of whisky to wash it all down.

If you’ll be celebrating with a night in, you'll need plenty of recipes for traditional haggis dishes or a Burns Supper with a twist. There’s Haggis bon bons, an Arbroath smokie and cheddar cheese soufflé, and even Oatmeal shortbread accompanied by whisky chocolate, whisky caramel, and raspberries marinated in – you guessed it – whisky!

While you’re there, you can download the free Robert Burns App for instant access to more than 550 poems and love songs, plus a useful glossary to help interpret the Scots words. With Burns Supper staples such as Auld Lang Syne and To a Mouse, the app is a must for enthusiastic guests, whilst Address to a Haggis will allow you to join in paying tribute to the 'great chieftain o' the puddin'-race', as Rabbie himself described it!

You can also read up on his life, learn some little known Robert Burns facts (After Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, the Bard has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other non-religious figure!) and then test your knowledge with a Burns quiz.

If you’ll be donning some tartan to toast the Bard this year, you’ll find plenty of ideas and inspiration for a sensational supper at Scotland.org's Ultimate Burns Guide.